In response to escalating protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the LAPD has reported over 50 arrests and has employed more than 600 rounds of non-lethal ammunition to manage the situation. Demonstrators have faced serious charges, including attempted murder with a Molotov cocktail. Amid these tensions, President Trump announced the deployment of approximately 700 active-duty Marines to assist local law enforcement, claiming the situation has become unmanageable. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth asserted the necessity of military presence to safeguard federal officials and facilities, criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom for failing to maintain order.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell contended that local law enforcement is fully capable of handling the protests without federal military support, emphasizing their experience with large demonstrations. However, the unrest has intensified, leading to additional deployments of 2,000 National Guard members to assist LAPD efforts.
The protests have reportedly been exacerbated by Trump’s military mobilization. Newsom’s office has characterized this intervention as a trigger for increased conflict, declaring the National Guard’s presence as illegal. In a bid to manage the unrest, Newsom announced the addition of 800 state and local police officers to the scene.
Despite the LAPD’s efforts, including the use of tear gas and rounds of non-lethal projectiles, incidents of violence led to minor injuries among police and several police horses. Protesters have been using radios to coordinate actions, complicating law enforcement’s response. Mayor Karen Bass supported Newsom, asserting that local authorities are effectively handling the situation while federal involvement has created chaos.
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